CEBU, Philippines — A trip to a mountain resort for a supposed post-New Year holiday getaway ended in tragedy for a family of four — a mother and her three children — after a dump truck ploughed the motorcycle they were riding downhill in Sitio Hoyohoy, Barangay Busay, Cebu City on Sunday evening.
The fatalities were identified as Alona Salon, 47, the mother, and her three children — Jason Calo, 23, who was driving the motorcycle; Erica Salon, 16; and Jay Salon, 12.
Investigation showed they just came from a resort in the upland barangay of Babag and were traversing a slope in Sitio Hoyohoy when the mini dump truck driven by Whelmir Embudo, 40, allegedly lost brakes and ended up ramming the motorcycle in front.
Due to the impact, the motorcycle fell to the pavement, throwing off Calo and Jay. Police said the truck ran over the two.
As the truck continued to move, both Alona and Erica were dragged several meters away towards the left lane since they were stuck on the propeller and i-beam underneath.
Police Staff Sergeant Jacinto Arnado Jr., traffic police investigator at the Mabolo Police Station, said Jay died on the spot while Alona and Erica were declared dead upon arrival at Cebu City Medical Center.
Calo was still alive when brought to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Meanwhile, as the truck swerved to the opposite lane, it also hit a passenger van heading to Balamban town.
Thankfully, no passengers of the van were injured as its driver managed to steer it to the right to avoid a head-on collision.
Explanation
Embudo alleged that he had at least 11 passengers when the incident happened but Arnado said they were no longer in the area after the crash.
Embudo said he doubled-checked on the vehicle before travelling as it had been previously sent to a repair shop.
Embudo is currently under the custody of Mabolo Police Station and could face charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide, serious physical injury and damage to property.
Arnado reminded drivers to inspect their vehicles thoroughly prior to taking a ply before it would be too late for them to discover that their brakes have malfunctioned and lives have been lost. — JMD (FREEMAN)